OUR FATHER’S GRACE
Richard Harris
Today’s Scripture: “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” Romans 10:14, ESV
Theme: We serve globally because, like the nation of Israel was used to bless other nations, we believe God will use us to bless others because of our obedience.
FIND YOURSELF FIRST
For an outsider, perhaps isolated from a community of Christians, where does true faith come from? Did it just instantly show up one day, and with little knowledge, one person decides to accept and believe the story of Jesus? How could they call on Him whom they may have never heard, believed, or understood?
The roads we walk, and the people we meet, offer many opportunities to encounter our LORD, our Father. His love for us never dies. Many share their Father’s house but may not share their Father’s heart. Our God loves us, all of us. He always has—unconditionally—and He desires our obedience. Jesus Himself spoke of a gracious and loving father when He addressed His own doubting disciples with the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24). He tells this story after the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin. But before we find the lost sheep, we first must find ourselves. This is achieved through faith, believing in the Good News of Jesus Christ. Then we grow, by listening to preaching, by learning, grasping the truth, and applying His wonderful words. All along our journey, we can share our story of faith with others. Our own witnessing can have a great impact on those searching for a way.
MESSENGERS OF THE GOOD NEWS
An ancient story of a young man, who approached his rabbi, said: “Sir. I love you, and I want to follow you. May I be your disciple?” The rabbi replied: “My son, do you know what hurts me and gives me pain?” “No sir, I do not.” “Then how can you say you love me, if you don’t know what hurts me?” We discover what hurts others by being present with them. This is why we go to faraway places around the world: to understand hurts and pain and to relieve them with the one effective remedy – Jesus.
Faith comes from hearing the Message, which has held up for two thousand years. Reading and talking about the Bible, God’s grace falls upon those who call upon Him in faith. God’s heart aches over those who are lost. Those doing the sharing have themselves taken that faith journey. Start by applying the Fruit of the Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. God will use that “fruit” to bless and maybe even change those we meet. Today’s verse is the climax of the preceding verses. I recommend reading them; remembering that when we confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved.
YOU HAVE OPPORTUNITIES EVERY DAY
OK. I know you have the wherewithal, because you are reading this Devotion. Now you have found the profound impact of sharing hope and truth of faith, the salvation that is available to all. What’s next? Where are you going to proclaim His words? Don’t keep it inside yourself … share it.
Make it Personal: Where are you on this journey? As today’s verse tells us, saving faith requires knowledge. Many have never heard the message of Christ. What is the foundation for your faith? Are you a human messenger, preaching the Gospel message? In a true communication cycle, the message needs to be spoken as the listener(s) decode(s) your message. They must be allowed to respond with questions, so that the message is understood. Feedback is important throughout the world. Our LORD has chosen human messengers to deliver the Word. I’m not implying that you need to be an ordained preacher to share the Gospel with all. That can be done individually from home with family, through messages, within church Life Groups, local community ministry, mission trips, or global outreach. Salvation is available to all who hear. But how can people near or far hear unless someone is there sharing?
Pray: LORD, we thank You for Your gifts of learning and knowledge. Please help us grow in sharing such knowledge and serving others with wisdom. Grant us the knowledge, patience, and ability to share the Good News that inspires others towards their own Salvation. We pray that they hear and believe in the preaching and follow The Way of the two thousand years of faith, reflection, and obedience. All in the name of your Son, our Savior, Christ Jesus. Amen.
Read: Acts 15:7, Titus 3:5, Joel 2:32, 2 Timothy 4:2, Proverbs 1:7, James 1:5, Romans 10:12-15
Weekly Memory Verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19, ESV